The source of the title 'Shadow of the East' is not altogether clear, though the 'East' here clearly refers to Khamûl's origins among the Easterlings. It is noted that, despite his power among the Nazgûl, he was also the one most weakened by the light of the Sun, and perhaps this is the source of the 'Shadow' in his title. It is conceivable that 'Shadow of the East' is in fact a direct translation of the name Khamûl, but this cannot be stated with certainty.